Jo Elliott - CEO Sleepout UK

Jo Elliott

Consultant and Business Development Specialist

Ambassador: CEO Sleepout Sunderland & Middlesbrough

How long have you been in business for?

Over 25 years in FMCG, then 3 years in events and hospitality and more recently business development for video and social media .

What are some of your driving values?

Helpfulness: I want to use my knowledge and abilities to help others. Learning: I am always eager to learn new things Collaboration: I believe that we can achieve more when we work together. Kindness: I want to treat others with respect and compassion, it costs nothing to be kind!

You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?

I believe that it's important to help others, especially as I've been on both ends! I want to use my resources and abilities to make a difference in the world. I believe that everyone has something to offer. Giving back is good for the soul.

Which causes are closest to your heart / one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?

The British Heart foundation and stroke as my Dad had his first stroke aged 52, and I have an inherited heart gene that makes me more sustible to stroke and heart attacks. I wish that there was more funding given and more spent on prevention rather than cure . We need to act now and fix things before they are completely broken. There is always a reason someone is homeless. As a society we need to build support and safety nets so it can be prevented.

How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?

I knew Bianca and had seen the amazing work CEO Sleepout had done , at the time I was a trustee for a homeless charity in Stockton so saw first hand how much support was needed and CEO supported local charities.

What other ways do you "give back" or work to strengthen communities you work within?

I volunteer for a local community group that supports free activities in the area so everyone can be involved .

Name one thing you'd like people to know about your life and work:

No matter where you start from never let it define what you can become, and if the road map changes , drive with it, sometimes the end destination is better than where you thought you were going !

How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?

Get their corporate social responsibility right and do it because they want to - not to tick a box! Some great ways businesses can strenthen society include; paying a living wage, better life /work balance and employee wellbeing, support their local communities, diversity and inclusivity and leave the environment in better shape than they found it.

Why is it important that those in business lead with purpose?

To create a happier, healthier, kinder and more sustainable future for all.